Technology – GK Questions

Convergence of AI, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology accelerates drug discovery: AI predicts protein structures (AlphaFold), bioinformatics analyzes genomic data, synthetic biology designs novel biological systems. Indian startups and research institutes actively contribute. Critical for biotech innovation and healthcare questions.

RPwD Act 2016 (Section 42) requires government and private entities to ensure websites, apps, and digital services are accessible per prescribed standards. Implemented via GIGW 3.0, WCAG compliance, and audits. Critical for legal framework of digital inclusion and disability rights questions.

CARTOSAT series (ISRO) provides sub-meter resolution optical imagery for mapping, urban planning, and disaster monitoring. Post-disaster, rapid tasking enables damage assessment for relief planning. Integrated with Bhuvan portal for visualization. Critical for geospatial technology and disaster management questions.

OECD AI Principles (2019) and UNESCO Recommendation on AI Ethics (2021) provide international frameworks for trustworthy AI: human rights, transparency, accountability, and sustainability. India actively participates in shaping global norms while developing domestic policies. Critical for AI governance questions.

Gaganyaan is ISRO's human spaceflight program to send 3-4 astronauts to ~400 km orbit for 3-7 days. Includes crew module, service module, life support, and crew escape system. Multiple uncrewed test flights precede crewed mission. Represents milestone in India's space capabilities and technological self-reliance.

6G (expected ~2030) targets: terahertz spectrum (0.1-10 THz) for ultra-high bandwidth, AI-native networks, integrated sensing-communication, and holographic/immersive experiences. India's 6G vision document (2023) outlines research priorities. Critical for understanding next-generation telecom evolution questions.

Sign language recognition uses computer vision (pose estimation, hand tracking) and deep learning to interpret gestures and translate to text/speech. Pilots by IITs and startups for inclusive communication. Challenges: regional sign language variations and real-time accuracy. Critical for assistive technology questions.

NDMA and state SDMAs operate mobile apps providing real-time alerts for cyclones, floods, earthquakes, and heatwaves. Features: GPS-based warnings, emergency contacts, preparedness checklists, and crowd-sourced damage reporting. Critical for last-mile communication and community resilience questions.

India ranks among top countries in AI research publications, skilled workforce (IITs, NITs), and AI startups (1000+). Strengths in software, data services, and frugal innovation. Gaps remain in hardware, foundational research, and compute infrastructure. Critical for understanding India's tech competitiveness questions.

DPDP Act 2023 received assent in August 2023 but provisions are being notified in phases. Rules for Data Protection Board, compliance requirements, and transitional arrangements are being finalized. Organizations must prepare for consent management, data principal rights, and breach reporting. Critical for legal compliance questions.

QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) uses quantum physics principles to generate and share encryption keys with provable security. Deployed in limited metro networks (e.g., DRDO's QKD link). Challenges: distance limits, cost, and integration with existing infrastructure. Critical for future-proof cybersecurity questions.

GIGW (Guidelines for Indian Government Websites) 3.0 mandates WCAG 2.1 AA compliance for accessibility: keyboard navigation, alt text, color contrast, ARIA labels. Audited by NIC and MeitY. Ensures inclusive access to e-governance services for persons with disabilities. Critical for digital governance and compliance questions.

Flood forecasting integrates: hydrological models (rainfall-runoff simulation), weather radar (precipitation estimation), satellite altimetry (river levels), and IoT sensors (real-time gauges). CWC and IMD operate systems for major river basins. Critical for early warning and disaster risk reduction questions.

UPI's success (11+ billion monthly transactions) has led to international adoption: Singapore's PayNow-UPI linkage, UAE's integration, and discussions with France, UK, and others. NPCI International promotes UPI-like systems globally. Represents India's leadership in digital public infrastructure and fintech innovation.

PM-WANI (Prime Minister's Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) enables public Wi-Fi hotspots via PDOs (Public Data Offices) using satellite/fiber backhaul. Aims to provide affordable internet access in rural/remote areas for education, telemedicine, and e-governance. Part of Digital India's connectivity pillar.

DNA data storage encodes digital information into synthetic DNA strands, offering extreme density (exabytes/gram) and longevity (thousands of years). Challenges: slow read/write speeds and high costs. Research by Microsoft, IITs, and startups. Represents convergence of biology and information technology for archival storage.

Live Caption (Android/iOS) uses on-device AI to generate real-time captions for any audio (calls, videos, podcasts), aiding hearing-impaired users. Works offline for privacy. Part of broader accessibility suite: screen readers, color correction, switch access. Critical for inclusive design and digital empowerment questions.

ITEWC (under INCOIS) operates seismic stations, bottom pressure recorders (tsunameters), and tide gauges to detect earthquakes and tsunami waves in Indian Ocean. Issues alerts within minutes to coastal authorities. Integrated with global warning systems. Critical for disaster preparedness and ocean technology questions.

Taiwan (TSMC) holds ~60% of global semiconductor foundry market and ~90% of advanced nodes (<7nm). Strategic importance drives global efforts (US CHIPS Act, India Semiconductor Mission) to diversify supply chains. Critical for understanding geopolitics of technology and supply chain resilience questions.

#AIforAll strategy (NITI Aayog, 2018) focuses on leveraging AI for inclusive growth across healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities, and mobility. Emphasizes research, skilling, data governance, and ethical principles. Updated frameworks address generative AI, data protection, and global cooperation. Critical for AI policy questions.